What is the primary purpose of combining levodopa with carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
To prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the liver
To reduce muscle rigidity by acting peripherally
To cure Parkinson's disease
To increase the amount of levodopa that reaches the brain
The Correct Answer is D
A. To prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the liver: Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain, not the liver. Carbidopa does inhibit peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa, but the primary goal is not general liver metabolism prevention, rather to increase CNS availability.
B. To reduce muscle rigidity by acting peripherally: Levodopa/carbidopa alleviates rigidity and bradykinesia by increasing central dopamine levels, not through peripheral action. Peripheral effects alone do not sufficiently improve Parkinson’s symptoms.
C. To cure Parkinson's disease: Levodopa/carbidopa is a symptomatic treatment that improves motor function. It does not halt disease progression or cure the neurodegenerative process.
D. To increase the amount of levodopa that reaches the brain: Carbidopa inhibits peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine, allowing more levodopa to cross the blood-brain barrier. This enhances efficacy while reducing peripheral side effects such as nausea and hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Document the findings and take no further action: Simply documenting without intervention fails to address a significant safety concern. Chronic alcohol use with acetaminophen increases the risk of hepatotoxicity and requires provider awareness.
B. Advise the patient to increase water intake when using Tylenol: Hydration does not prevent liver damage caused by the combination of acetaminophen and alcohol. While adequate fluid intake is generally healthy, it does not mitigate hepatotoxic risk.
C. Tell the patient to stop taking Tylenol and switch to aspirin: Switching to aspirin may introduce additional risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in older adults. Medication changes should be made under provider guidance rather than unilateral instruction by the nurse.
D. Notify the provider about the patient's alcohol use with Tylenol: The combination of daily acetaminophen and significant alcohol intake can cause liver injury. Informing the healthcare provider ensures appropriate assessment, potential medication adjustment, and patient education to prevent hepatotoxicity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Temperature 98.6: A normal body temperature does not affect the safety of atenolol administration and is not a reason to withhold the medication.
B. Respiratory rate 18/min: This is within the normal adult range and does not contraindicate atenolol use. Respiratory rate alone is not a limiting factor for beta-blocker administration.
C. Heart rate 46: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that decreases heart rate and myocardial contractility. A resting heart rate below 50 bpm in adults indicates bradycardia, which can be worsened by the medication, posing a risk for hypotension, dizziness, or syncope. This finding warrants withholding the drug and notifying the provider.
D. Oxygen saturation 95%: This is within a safe range and does not contraindicate the administration of atenolol. Oxygenation status is not a limiting factor.
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